Bathtub modernizing shield



y 7. 1940. A. P. GWYNN BATHTUB MODERNIZING SHIELD Filed June 16, 1938Patented May 7, i946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BATHTUB MODERNIZINGSHIELD Albert t. Gwynn, Richmond, Va. Application June 16, 1938, SerialNo. 214,117

6 Claims.

This invention relatesto shields or casings for modernizing bathtubs ofthe type commonly set on legs clear of the floor and having a curved rimaround the top edge defining an annular recess or' gutter. Bathtubshields or casings heretofore used for modernizing purposes generallymade use of an intermediate supporting frame structure for the shield orcasing panels, which frame structure involved additional labor andexpense and ofttimes was not feasible for certain installations.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide amodernizing bathtub shield or casing wherein supporting frame workextending from the floor line to the tub rim is dispensed with, while atthe same time maintaining a firm anchorage and ample rigidity of thecasing or shield.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bathtub shield or casingwherein the parts may be applied easily and quickly in close-jointedharmonious relation.

A further object of the invention is to simplify, beautify and generallyimprove bathtub shields or casings.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. l is a view in perspective of a bathtub having a shield 01' casinginstalled in conjunction therewith embodying the features of the presentinvention, part of the shield being broken away to more fully showcertain parts of the assembly;

Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly in section, of the construction shown inFig. 1.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the bathtub proper is of that typehaving a downwardly curved rim 6a around the top portion thereofdefining a recess 1, the tub being supported such as by feet or legs notshown clear of the floor.

The shield or casing of the present invention is preferably made ofsheet metal of a suitable gauge, such as that used in automobile bodies,pressed or rolled into the desired shape. I have found that automobilebody sheet metal will retain its shape permanently when installed asherein disclosed.

The casing is made up of a series of panels 25 and 26 having flangedportions at opposite ends thereof adapted to telescope into flangedcapsor hoods 21 and 210., the coacting flanged edges of the panels andhoods or caps being connected in any suitable manner, such as by screws28a, note Fig. 1. The top edges of the casings 25 and 26 preferably fitsnugly into the recessdefined'by the curved flange 6d, while the loweredges of the panels may be anchored in any-suitable manner, as forexample, by blocks 29 cemented to the floor at intervals, or secured tothe floor by other means such as nails or screws. However, to simplifythe construction, thelower edges of the sheets may be caused tofrictionally engage the floor, or be jammed thereagainst, or anchored inany other simplified manner. To insure against buckling, a member in theform of a piece of angle iron 30, may be secured as by welding'to theside of the tub, note particularly Fig. l. The end panels 21 and 21aserve to secure the side panels 25 and 26 in position about the tub,stiffen the panel assembly and give easy and convenient access to theplumbing connections of the tub, such connections not being shown.

The molding trim may also be given attractive designs, and in generalthe use of the shield of this nature will, at a relatively small cost,provide a bath tub even more attractive than many modern types of tubsnow to be found on the market.

It will be understood that certain changes in structure and design maybe made in the improved shield or casing without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim: 1

1. A shield or 'c'asing for modernizing bathtubs of that type having acurved rim around the top of the tub defining an annular recess,comprising panels of sheet material shaped to conform to the contour ofthe tub with the upper edges of said panel projecting into said recess,the opposite ends of said panels being formed with securing flanges, andmeans at opposite ends of the tub telescoped over said flanges andsecured thereto for anchoring said sheets in position on opposit sidesof the tub.

2. A shield or casing for modernizing bathtubs of that type having acurved rim aroimd the top of the tub defining an annular-recess,comprising panels of sheet metal or analogous material shaped to conformto the contour of the tub, said panels at their opposite ends beingformed with flanged portions, and end caps telescoped over said flangesand having flanged portions secured to the latter, thereby holding saidpanels in position with respect to said tub.

3. A shield or casing for modernizing bathtubs comprising complementarypanels of sheet metal or analogous material shaped to conform to thecontour of the tub and to encompass both sides of the tub and portionsof the ends thereof, and end panels adapted to engage said complementaryfirst-named panels and secure them in place with respect to said tub.

4. A shield or casing for modernizing bathtubs comprising panels ofsheet metal or other material shaped to encompass the sides and por--tlons of the ends of the tub and end panels positioned so as to engagesaid first-named panels and to afford access to plumbing and areinforcing and stiffening member secured to a flat portion of saidshield.

5. A shield or casing for modernizing bathtubs of the type having acurved rim around the top of the tub defining an annular recess,comprising a shroud of sheet metal or analogous material covering thesides of the tub with the upper edge of the shroud terminating withinthe region of I said recess, said shroud terminating at one end of thetub in opposed flanged portions, and an end panel having flangescomplementary to the flanges of said shroud and secured thereto, saidend panel afiording access to plumbing.

6. A shield or casing for modernizing bathtubs of the type having acurved rim around the top of the tub defining an annular recess,comprising a shroud of sheet metal or analogous material covering thesides of the tub with the upper edge of the shroud projecting into saidrecess, means anchoring said shroud to the floor on which the tub rests,said shroud at one end of the tub terminating in free edge flangessubstantially perpendicular to the floor, and an end panel in the formof a hood having edges complementary to the perpendicular edges of saidshroud and secured tothe latter and sustaining and stiffening theshroud, said end panel afiording access to plumbing.

ALBERT P. GWYNN. 25

